Programme Applying: Ph.D Pure Mathematics (key research area of interest: analysis/mathematical physics). Seriously doubting now if I should even apply or not?

Other Information:

1. I don't have a lot of mathematics courses on my transcript. I have 3-4 upper division courses in analysis and topology only. All A's though. My degree was quite broad, but I now realize I should have taken more pure math courses.

2. Extensive self studied plan. I have self studied linear algebra, complex analysis, analysis in R^n, algebra on my own. I'm currently learning a bit of Module Theory and Measure Theory. I'll get all of this information reflected in the letter from a mathematician. She said this could be one of my strong points. 2 other letters will be from physicists.

3. Extensive TA experience. I'm also currently working as a full time TA during my time off in the mathematics department.

4. I have a publication in my minor area, physics.

I'm not sure if I should consider applying to colleges, especially top 40-50 PhD programs now. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Last edited by Junaid456 on Fri Nov 24, 2017 7:17 am, edited 2 times in total.

Rochester said I'll be competitive if I get 700+. Again, I'm not sure of my chances in this category as well.

3. Some middle-tier master's only programs that have funding for internationals and have a good record of placing students in top 30-40 schools: Wake Forest. Miami University, Ball State, Boise State.

4. Applied Math programs that have strong pure math cores/interdisciplinary programs in physics and mathematics. I was mostly going to look at Canada/Europe in this category. Most Canadian schools (Waterloo, Simon Fraser etc.) are competitive as well, though. Funding seems to be the main problem in Europe.

I was thinking of applying to somewhere between 17-25 schools along these lines, depending on the amount of funds I have in my savings account and the probability of my external TA contract getting renewed at my home university's math department.

Any suggestions from you and other people would be very much appreciated.

I think 25 will be too many. I think your score wouldn't hurt you if you apply to those that don't require it, just don't send them if they don't require, so you really don't need to stress out that much.

Tianma799 wrote:I think 25 will be too many. I think your score wouldn't hurt you if you apply to those that don't require it, just don't send them if they don't require, so you really don't need to stress out that much.

Hi,

Would it be all right with you if I send you a follow up message via PM on this topic? I'd like some more soecific advice.

Tianma799 wrote:I think 25 will be too many. I think your score wouldn't hurt you if you apply to those that don't require it, just don't send them if they don't require, so you really don't need to stress out that much.

Hi,

Would it be all right with you if I send you a follow up message via PM on this topic? I'd like some more soecific advice.